EAST DIVISION
1| PHILADELPHIA 2011 | 102-60, 1st in East
Last year in playoffs | 2011
Former MVP first baseman Ryan Howard remains out because of a ruptured Achilles’ tendon, but the Phillies still have superb pitching and a new closer, Jonathan Papelbon. Philadelphia has won five straight NL East titles and is favored for a sixth despite the departures of Roy Oswalt, Brad Lidge and Raul Ibanez.
2| WASHINGTON 2011 | 80-81, 3rd in East
Last year in playoffs | 1981**
The Nationals could surprise with phenom Stephen Strasburg back in the starting rotation, joined by Edwin Jackson, a freeagent signee, and Gio Gonzalez, acquired in a trade. The key is whether Ryan Zimmerman and company can produce enough run support for the bolstered pitching staff.
3| ATLANTA 2011 | 89-73, 2nd in East
Last year in playoffs | 2010
No major moves for this perennial contender as All-star third baseman Chipper Jones plays his final season. A question mark is whether right fielder Jason Heyward starts fulfilling lofty expectations at the plate, helping to give Atlanta’s solid pitching staff the run support it will need.
4| MIAMI 2011 | 72-90, 5th in East
Last year in playoffs | 2003
The Miami Marlins have a new name, new manager (Ozzie Guillen), a new ballpark and several new players, including starting pitchers Mark Buehrle and Carlos Zambrano, closer Heath Bell and, most prominently, shortstop Jose Reyes, the NL batting champion (.337) who left the rival Mets for a six-year, $106-million contract.
5| NEW YORK 2011 | 77-85, 4th in East
Last year in playoffs | 2006
Jose Reyes is gone so the cash-strapped Mets look for a boost from starter Johan Santana, a two-time Cy Young Award winner who returns after missing all of last season. Third baseman David Wright got hurt in camp but hopes to be ready opening day. Ruben Tejada, 22, takes over for Reyes at shortstop.